Packaging combinations

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to improved packaging combinations for the snack industry in particular. One such packaging combination includes a first package in which is stored a food item, and a second package, in which is stored a wipe, where at least a first surface of the second package includes an advertisement which is the same as the advertisement on the first package, the second package being attached to the first package by glue. In an alternate embodiment, the packages are connected edge to edge via a perforated seal aimed to facilitate easy detachment. In one aspect, a key feature is the morphing of the second package which does not contain a food item into almost an exact replica of the main package which does contain a food item, and which therefore serves as a mini replica.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/694,817, filed on Aug. 30, 2012, commonly owned and assigned to the same assignee hereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to configurations of packaging combinations.

BACKGROUND

Rupturable packages that hold certain foods, such as potato chips, or liquids, such as juices, are well known.

Many multi-package configurations have been proposed in the past, for example, for sugar -- known by the name of “sugar-bags” -- milk powder or a substitute therefor, coffee extract, salt pepper and mustard, which are supplied along with drinks or food, or, as is the case with coffee extract, cocoa powder, etc., may serve for the preparation of drinks or food.

In many cases, a plurality of such ingredients is necessary for the preparation of, or addition to, the drink or food, including sometimes tableware, such as a stirrer, which may be required for admixture of the additive with the drink or food.

Quite often several individual packages are packed in an additional wrapper or container, in which the several ingredients are sold as a kit, sometimes also containing the food or drink itself.

In certain applications, the wrapper or package is externally attached to a main package, such as a bag of potato chips, and maintained therein is a napkin or condiment that is torn along a seam connecting the napkin or condiment to the main package.

There is a need to provide consumers with improved packaging to enhance the main package in terms of its utility, and/or enhance the benefit of the purchase received by the consumer, and/or reward the customer for selecting one package over another.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to improved packaging combinations. One such packaging combination includes a first package in which is stored a food item, and a second package, in which is stored a wipe, where at least a first surface of the second package includes an advertisement which is the same as the advertisement on the first package, the second package being attached to the first package by glue.

In an alternate embodiment, the packages are connected edge to edge via a perforated seal aimed to facilitate easy detachment.

In one aspect, a key feature is the morphing of the second package which does not contain a food item into almost an exact replica of the main package which does contain a food item, and which therefore serves as a mini replica and an excellent advertising medium in many instances since consumers are more likely to have them laying around the home, office or other public space, once the main package has been consumed and the second package detached, but may not be used.

The packaging combinations are particularly beneficial in the snack industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a packaging combination where a first package and second package are connected by glue in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination, whereby the second package is provided with holes or like facility to allow for hanging the main package via the second package.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination which includes a first package configured to be attachably coupled to second package, where the second package comprises two compartments,

FIG. 4 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination which includes a first package and a second package where the second package is configured to include a flap section which also includes a handle.

FIG. 5 shows a further alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination which includes a first package and a second package where the second package is configured to include a pull-tab.

FIGS. 6 to 21 illustrate a variety of alternate functional and promotional type configurations in accordance with further exemplary embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a number of alternate packaging combinations which achieve the aim of improving packaging to enhance a main package in terms of its utility, and/or enhance the benefit of the purchase received by the consumer, and/or reward the customer for selecting one package over another.

FIG. 1 is a packaging combination 100 where a first package 105 and second package 110 are connected by glue in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the secondary package 110 comprises two substantially planar glue-on surfaces, 115, 120. Each surface 115, 120 contains a select advertisement thereon (not shown) as well as a peel-back section 125 (shown only on side 115 for clarity purposes) which when peeled facilitates attaching the surface 115 with the peeled-back section onto the corresponding facing surface 135 of primary (first) package 110.

The peeling-back and attaching one or the other sides of the second package to the main or first package can be done at the factory. The idea is to provide a two- advertisement and/or promotion arrangement on respective sides of a single package the aim of which is to be attached to the main package. By providing both sides with peel- back sections, the job of attaching one side (the side with the peel-back) onto the facing side of the main package is made easier, while the facing up side of the second package is not disturbed. The attaching side may, in one scenario, include “how to” instructions, recipes, or some other information, which is viewed or more easily viewed when the second package is detached from the main package. Because both sides of the second package have a peel-back section, once the second package is detached, a consumer may take advantage of the second (unused) peel-back section of the non-attached side of the second package. By taking advantage we mean detaching the second package by tearing or pulling it from its attached point on the main package, and then peeling back the other peel-back section to expose the glue so that the consumer can then attach it to another surface.

In an alternate scenario, the second peel-back section is a magnet rather than glue type peel-back to facilitate attaching for example to a refrigerator.

Again, because both surfaces of the second package are configured with attaching mechanisms, in the case where both are peel-back surfaces for example, the manufacturer is provided with a choice in terms of which side to peel back. This provides the manufacturer with flexibility to request from a supplier to provide a secondary package with different advertisements on each side. The advertisement could be anything whatsoever, including, a miniature replica of the main package, a third party advertisement, a clever descriptor of what is in the secondary package (sugar, salt, pepper, napkin, condiment, utensil, tattoo, gift item etc.), a promotion, or “how to” instructions on something.

FIG. 2 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination 200, whereby the second package 210 is provided with holes or like facility to allow for hanging the main package 220 via the second package 210.

In an alternate scenario (not shown), the holes are seams which when pierced expose the hole. A number of seams may be provided so as to allow for creation of holes at the time of hanging by the retailer.

In yet a further scenario, the holes are only visible when the attachable secondary package (which acts as a flap) is switched over. The switched over surface is exposed only at this time. Once exposed, the corresponding exposed surface reveals a different advertising surface from that of an opposite surface thereof, which is normally exposed. In one scenario, only a portion of the flap including the holes is configured to be pulled back (and thus exposed).

In yet a further embodiment, the attachable flap in the preceding embodiment is provided with separate compartments. Each compartment is configured to hold a separate item or sets of items. For example, one compartment may hold packets of sugar and milk, while the other may hold salt and pepper, or sugar and the other milk, or salt and the other pepper, and so on.

Preferably, weakened score lines or tear lines are formed in, or at least adjacent to, the binding zones between the compartments. This renders it possible for the user to separate the individual compartments from the composite package, which facilitates the handling of the several ingredients. It also makes it possible for the supplier, in certain cases, to reduce the composite package by removing compartments containing ingredients not required in these cases.

According to a preferred feature of the present invention, at least one of the elongated compartments has an opening in one wall for allowing the passage of tableware into and out of said compartment.

An additional advantage in this connection is that the separation of the compartments from each other along the tear lines results in edges being formed in the zones containing the tear lines, which in many cases are much easier to tear than the peripheral edges of the composite package, which in fact are formed by machine-cut edges of binding zone. In practice difficulties are encountered in tearing open such machine-cut edges formed in this manner: the force to be applied may be so great that the package is ruptured suddenly and too far, and a portion of the contents thereof is lost, with the added inconvenience of messy spillings.

If, on the other hand, the compartment concerned is first separated from the composite package along the weakened score lines or tear lines, the compartment is much more easily ruptured to release the contents thereof at the position of one of the peripheral edge portions resulting from the tearing off of the compartment.

Conveniently, a rupturable package according to this invention in which a piece of tableware is included in one of the compartments, one end of which projects outwardly through an opening in one wall thereof, the said wall provided with the opening carries a representation of the piece of tableware substantially linking up with the end thereof extending through said opening.

FIG. 3 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination 300 which includes a first package 310 configured to be attachably coupled to second package 320, where package 320 comprises two compartments 330 and 340, a first of which may hold for example, a pre-meal napkin and the other a post-meal napkin (each doused with a suitable cleaning solution to kill germs and facilitate cleaning of one's hands).

FIG. 4 shows an alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination 400 which includes a first package 410 and a second package 420 where the second package 420 is configured to include a flap section 430 which also includes a handle 450. A second flap section 440 is connected to the first (main) package and also includes a handle 460. Handles 450 and 460 are used to pull the main package open without detaching the second package therefrom. The second package optionally includes a wet wipe for cleaning one's hands or other part when finished consuming the contents in the main package 410.

Flaps 450, 460, may alternatively be attached as one separate second package and attached to a main “rupturable at a seam” portion of the main package. The two flaps may be fixably attached to the main rupturable package by a seam at time of assembly of the main package, or post-assembly, by manually affixing each flap to the main package. In one scenario, each flap is placed on opposite side surfaces of a package (such as a bag of potato chips). Disposed on an outside viewable surface of each flap is a retractable pad surface which serves as a grab element. The grab elements facilitating a customer being able to pull the rupturable at a seam package to expose the inside contents to be consumed.

FIG. 5 shows a further alternate exemplary embodiment of a packaging combination 500 which includes a first package 510 and a second package 520 where the second package 520 is configured to include a pull-tab 530. Instead of two flaps with handles, as in FIG. 4, there is provided only a single flap with a single grab element (pull-tab 530). Rupturing of the package occurs by pulling the grab element on the flap at one end while directly pulling on the main package (or alternatively, on or near a seamed portion of the main package) with the other hand.

In yet a further embodiment, there is proposed a software tool configured to assist in packaging development and design. A first step in the design process is selection of a main and one or more secondary package geometries. A library of known packages, complete with promotional and advertising surface selection options, is provided. A 3D graphics engine is included to allow for viewing of selections in 3D geometry.

In one scenario, the tool includes background/scene change capability to allow viewing of the end product design, (i) on a virtual shelf, (ii) at a virtual kiosk, in hang configuration, (iii) by a consumer walking or sitting in a library, beach, or other virtual background; and (iv) many other possible consumer use environments. The graphics engine of the tool will also allow for rotating the geometry of the surface against any backdrop, as well as to change from day to night, light to dark, or even to change the direction of incident light, to ensure optimum aesthetic and functional benefit of design in a quick and user friendly manner.

In a further embodiment, the software tool is designed to help a package designer select optimum (preferably bio-degradable optional) material of manufacture to address ease of disposal concerns of consumers and government. Design parameters include software functionality to further assist in (ii) real-time the visualization and simulation of collapsing ribs or similar features on the main package, (ii) optimum positioning of secondary packaging, position of holes, glue-on surface patches (iii) optimum geometries for all; (iv) drop-down menus of library stored configurations, including commercially available, and proprietary options for secondary packaging, including for sugar, salt, pepper, napkin, condiment, utensil, tattoo, gift item, etc.

Studies have shown that use of sanitary napkins in lieu of soap and water to clean hands prior to and after consuming a meal results in substantial savings of water. In a yet a further embodiment, provision is made on the packaging to educate the consumer about the amount of water savings realized in utilizing sanitary napkins

The napkins each may have associated advertising disposed directly thereon. In this regard, advertising and like promotional information may be provided, assuming a two-flap configuration, on (ii) both sides of flaps, as well as on napkins, assuming napkins are contained therein. In this way, the surface advertising area of the package is substantially increased.

In one scenario, the secondary package is an exact miniature replica of the original package containing a similar consumable as the main packet. Unless immediately consumed, the secondary package will likely be stored in a visible to other manner at the home or office, and thus provide a strong promotional function. This feature is particularly novel and clever as it provides a very low-cost solution to promote the product after point of sale.

In yet a further embodiment, the secondary package or the contents of the secondary package itself, many contain an office or kitchen accessory, such as a mini magnet, or paper weight item, but also sized and designed to look like the main package for promotional purposes.

Studies have shown that use of sanitary napkins in lieu of soap and water to clean hands prior to and after consuming a meal results in substantial savings of water. In a yet a further embodiment, provision is made on the packaging to educate the consumer about the amount of water savings realized in utilizing sanitary napkins

The incorporation of napkins is particularly desirable, especially a dual napkin configuration. In addition to the benefit of the attached napkin itself, both the package in which the napkins are contained, as well as the napkins themselves serve to greatly enhance the desirability of a product (in a crowded space such as the potato chip market) but more importantly increase the marketing appeal of the product by creating added advertising space for the vendor. In addition, for a near negligible additional cost of the napkin, one is able to provide customers with an add-on which the customer will likely keep and which will continue to provide a promotional benefit even beyond the useful life of the original main package which is typically discarded after the contents therein are consumed.

In one scenario, the secondary package is an exact miniature replica of the original package containing a similar consumable as the main packet. Unless immediately consumed, the secondary package will likely be stored in a visible to other manner at the home or office, and thus provide a strong promotional function.

In yet a further embodiment, the secondary package or the contents of the secondary package itself, many contain an office or kitchen accessory, such as a mini magnet, or paper weight item, but also sized and designed to look like the main package for promotional purposes.

FIGS. 6 to 21 illustrate a variety of alternate functional and promotional type configurations in accordance with further exemplary embodiments herein.

In each instance, while a two-napkin configuration is preferred and considered particularly unique, for sake of clarity and ease of description, only one-napkin configurations are shown.

It should be appreciated that a key aspect of the above described implementations is the morphing of the second package which does not contain a food item into almost an exact replica of the main package which does contain a food item, and which therefore serves as a mini replica and an excellent advertising medium in many instances since consumers are more likely to have them laying around the home, office or other public space, once the main package has been consumed and the second package detached, but may not be used. A dual package configuration where an accessory or add-on package has an identical look (at least on one surface) and can (once detached) serve as a momento, a souvenir, or simply kept to be used at a later time, which provides a huge advertising and promotional benefit to the snack industry, has never been taught or suggested in the prior art.

In this regard, it should be readily apparent that all the illustrated configurations can be adapted to include a second napkin using the same configuration on a package or a configuration as shown in another figure, with the two types of napkin configurations being utilized for different purposes, target markets, etc.

It should also be appreciated that the configurations may similarly be adjusted (not shown) to include holes for hanging the package from the napkin sleeve, or if a pull tab or handle is provided which has a hole, then hung from the pull tab or handle itself, this being integral with the napkin package.

Naturally numerous variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention both as regards the composition and diversity of the individual ingredients, and as regards the shape and dimensions of the compartments, and also as regards the kind of tableware to be supplied in the form of a knife, fork or spoon or the like, of which, if desired, a combination, such as a knife and a fork, may be accommodated in the composite rupturable package according to the invention.

Also, the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular material to be used for the package. A great variety of commercially available, well-known sheet materials are suitable for making packages according to this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging combination including a first package in which is stored a food item, and a second package, in which is stored a wipe, where at least a first surface of the second package includes an advertisement which is the same as the advertisement on the first package, the second package being attached to the first package by glue.
 2. The packaging combination of claim 1, wherein the second package includes a surface with a peel-back section to facilitate attaching the second package by glue to the first package.
 3. The packaging combination of claim 2, wherein the second package includes at least a second surface having an associated peel-back section.
 4. The packaging combination of claim 2, wherein the second package includes at least a second surface having a section including a mechanism for attaching the second package to another surface.
 5. The packaging combination of claim 1, wherein the second package is comprised of two compartments.
 6. The packaging combination of claim 1, wherein the second package is comprised of two flaps to facilitate grabbing open the contents of the first package.
 7. The packaging combination of claim 1, wherein the second package includes at least one handle or flap to facilitate grabbing open the contents of the first package.
 8. A packaging combination including a first package in which is stored a food item, and a second package, in which is stored a wipe, where at least a first surface of the second package includes an advertisement which is the same as the advertisement on the first package, the second package being attached to the first package at at least an end edge thereof via a perforated seal aimed to facilitate easy detachment.
 9. The packaging combination of claim 8, wherein the second package is comprised of two compartments.
 10. The packaging combination of claim 8, wherein the second package is comprised of two flaps to facilitate grabbing open the contents of the first package.
 11. The packaging combination of claim 8, wherein the second package includes at least one handle or flap to facilitate grabbing open the contents of the first package.
 12. A packaging combination including a first package in which is stored a food item, and a second package, in which is stored a promotional item, where at least a first surface of the second package includes an advertisement which is the same as the advertisement on the first package, the second package being attached to the first package at at least an end edge thereof via a perforated seal aimed to facilitate easy detachment.
 13. The packaging combination of claim 12, wherein the second package is comprised of two compartments.
 14. The packaging combination of claim 12, wherein the second package is comprised of two flaps to facilitate grabbing open the contents of the first package.
 15. The packaging combination of claim 12, wherein the second package includes at least one handle or flap to facilitate grabbing open the contents of the first package. 